Glamping close to Cedar Springs, Michigan occurs primarily on the shores of small lakes or along the Muskegon River, with many sites open from April through October when temperatures range from 40-85°F. Several campgrounds offer upgraded tent platforms, yurts, or cabin accommodations within 30 miles of Cedar Springs. Most locations require advance booking for premium sites, especially during summer weekends.
What to do
Disc golf at campgrounds: Newaygo State Park Campground features an 18-hole course that winds through wooded terrain. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing. If you're not into fishing or disc golf, you might be happier elsewhere," notes Ryan L T. who visited in September.
Craft activities for children: Brower Park Campground maintains a craft barn with daily activities. "There is a trail head with a gorgeous trail along a smaller stream and an art barn with activities for kids to create each day," according to Bethany S., who appreciated the family-friendly environment.
River tubing: Chinook Camping offers river tube rentals and transportation services. "We've camped and tubed here for years. Love the area. Basically everything you could need is in the campground or across the street at the store. Campground offers river trips by tube or kayak," writes Billy R., who visits regularly.
Lake swimming in no-wake zones: Several parks maintain swimming beaches with gradual depth increases. "Swim area is great... You can go 200 ft. out before it gets deep," explains Dave B. about the beach at Brower Park.
What campers like
Spacious rustic sites: Newaygo State Park Campground maintains larger-than-average tent sites. "The thing we love most about this campground is the spacious site and that it is truly rustic with vault toilets and hand pumped water," shares Sarah K., who has camped there for over 20 years.
Hiking trails with lake views: "There is a trail head with a gorgeous trail along a smaller stream," notes Bethany S. about the paths at Brower Park Campground. Another visitor, Amanda L., adds: "There is a boat launch on site and lots of traffic in and out."
Motor-free lakes for peaceful recreation: Several campgrounds restrict motorboats on their lakes. "The sites are deep but many are close together. Ours had a little extra room but was next to the vault toilet. There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice," writes R.B. about their experience at Newaygo State Park.
On-site food delivery: At Chinook Camping, campers can order from the campground restaurant. "They have an on-site restaurant that delivers food & wood to your site," mentions Melissa F. in her review, highlighting the convenience factor.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities at some parks: Newaygo State Park offers vault toilets and no showers. "It's all rustic sites, but the campground is nice," notes Ryan L. who stayed while on a business trip.
Extra fees may apply: Ed H. Henning Park charges additional daily fees. "Was $85 for a rustic, no electric, tent only site. Granted it WAS labor day weekend so ya know. Holiday rates. But even so... There's a parking fee per day on top of your site fee that was also $6/day at the time," reports Aaron Y.
Campsite privacy varies significantly: At Brower Park, site selection makes a difference. "Most of the sites are pretty large and all 3 areas of the campground are nice and a little different in their own way," explains Joshua E., who stayed there in July.
Boat permits required at some locations: Brower Park requires permits for motorized watercraft. "You will need to pay either a $7 daily or $30 annual fee for your boat but kayaks and canoes are free," notes Joshua E.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with multiple playgrounds: Ionia State Recreation Area offers extensive children's facilities. "Our kids enjoyed this park every year while growing up. Hunting for mushrooms, fishing, swimming in the lake, building forts, riding bikes. Big sites! This place was the perfect get away," shares Heather H.
Look for shallow swimming areas: Several parks maintain beaches designed for young swimmers. "The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach," reports Joshua E. about Ionia Recreation Area.
Consider cabins for easier family trips: Double RR Ranch RV Resort offers cabin options. "There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that are nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals. My husband liked the golf course that came with renting spot," says Joanie C.
Check for weekend entertainment: Some campgrounds schedule family activities on weekends. "Hayrides and movies on the weekend," notes Dave B. about Brower Park Campground's regular programming.
Tips from RVers
Site depth considerations: At Ionia Recreation Area, RV sites have limitations. "The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight," cautions Joshua E.
Narrow access roads at some campgrounds: Chinook Camping presents challenges for larger rigs. "They have very narrow roads that were very difficult to maneuver a large trailer. Lots were smaller and hard to back into," warns Clint, who visited in 2021.
Hookup availability varies widely: Not all parks offer full hookups. "We have camped here several times as a family. They provide floatation devices and transport for river floats. If you like rustic tent camping they have amazing on the river sites for you, unfortunately no campers (rv or pull behind) are allowed down the hill," explains Shannah H. about Mystery Creek Campground.
Check shower water temperature: Some facilities have issues with hot water. "They were clean, let me put that out there, what they lacked was hot water in the showers or sinks. Added to that they have very old school 5-second pop back up knobs to engage the water," reports Doreen B. about Little Switzerland Resort.
